Music for All appointed Anne Fennell as senior director of education. A nationally recognized music education leader, Fennell brings nearly four decades of experience in public education, district leadership, advocacy, authorship, and national service to the organization’s senior leadership team.
In this senior leadership role, Fennell will help guide Music for All’s educational vision and programming. Responsibilities include national initiatives, honor ensembles, camps, educator professional learning, advocacy efforts, and student experiences.
Fennell joins Music for All following a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in public education and educational leadership. Most recently, she served as music program manager and supervisor for San Diego Unified School District, one of the nation’s largest school districts. She concluded her tenure there after 32 years as a music educator and six years in district administration. In addition to her K-12 leadership, she has served as an adjunct university professor, preparing future educators. Throughout her career, she has taught students from kindergarten through high school in diverse musical settings.
A nationally influential leader in the profession, Fennell serves as Western Division president for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). She is the past president of the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) and continues to serve CMEA as its advocacy representative. She is also an internationally sought-after keynote speaker and clinician, presenting for organizations including the National Association for Music Education, the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, the International Society for Music Education, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and music education conferences throughout China in partnership with NAMM.
Fennell is a published author whose work has appeared through Savvas Learning Company, the Grammy Foundation, the Percussion Marketing Council, and Disney’s Little/Baby Einstein educational resources. Her leadership and contributions to music education have been recognized with numerous national honors, including the 2024 NAMM Believe in Music Award, 2020 Technology in Music Education National Teacher of the Year, 2017 Magnet Schools of America National Teacher of the Year, selection as a Top 10 Grammy Music Educator Award Finalist in 2016, and recognition as a Top 3 National Music Educator by Music and Arts in 2015.
“Anne is one of the most respected voices in music education today,” said Dr. James Weaver, president and CEO of Music for All. “As we continue to grow our impact nationwide, Anne’s vision and expertise will help shape the future of our educational programs and strengthen our service to music educators across the country.”
“I have long admired Music for All’s commitment to creating transformative experiences through music,” said Fennell. “The organization’s impact on students, educators, and communities is extraordinary. I am honored to join this exceptional team and look forward to working with our staff, educators, students, and partners to continue expanding opportunities that inspire excellence, foster belonging, and help every young person discover the life-changing power of music.”
Fennell holds a bachelor’s degree in music education, a master’s degree in educational leadership studies, Orff-Schulwerk Certification Levels I, II, and III, and more than 90 additional graduate hours in music and education. More information is available at musicforall.org/mfa-anne-fennell-senior-director-of-education/.